Class II refers to an anteroposterior (AP) jaw discrepancy due to overdevelopment of the top jaw or protrusion of the upper teeth, from a small lower jaw, or combination of the aforementioned. This gives the patients the apparent look of having a weak lower jaw and chin. Listed in this section are examples of some treatment modalities we use to treat class II malformations:
Functional Appliances
This type of appliance is used to modify underlying skeletal discrepancies due to inadequate or excessive skeletal growth. The examples in this sectin and below are for patients that exhibit inadequate length, or deficiency, of their lower jaw. The appliances are worn for about the period of a year to achieve the desired result.
Twin Block
The Twin Block is a removable functional appliance comprised of upper and lower retainers which work in concert to correct a class II malocclusion (lower jaw behind upper jaw). Often, the upper appliance also has an expansion component that requires activation as many class II patients also have narrow maxillas. At scheduled appointments, Dr. Moshiri may add acrylic to the lower retainer to further “push” the lower jaw forward as patients adjust to their corrected positions. For more information on the Twin Block appliance, read our informative Twin Block handout.
Click here to view our Twin Block introductory video.
Click here to view our Twin Block demonstration video.
The MARA
The MARA, or mandibular anterior repositioning appliance, is a functional appliance which creates positional changes of the lower jaw, positioning it forward over the period of a year while at the same time expanding the upper jaw to “fit” to new position of the lower jaw. This change in position favors correction of a class II skeletal malocclusion, or “weak” lower jaw. In many adolescents, this appliance is able to improve their profile significantly; however, for few patients, full correction may involve orthognathic jaw surgery later in life. For more information on the MARA appliance, read our informative MARA handout.
Click here to view our MARA appliance introductory video.
Click here to view our MARA demonstration video.
Distalizers
These appliances move teeth apart to create space and increase arch length for erupting and crowded teeth. Below are two examples of this category of appliance.
Pendex Appliance
The Pendex appliance is a fixed appliance that rests along the roof of the mouth and is attached to bands on the upper molars. It is used for a class II malocclusion where space has been lost in the upper arch by teeth moving forward too early into spaces created by baby teeth lost prematurely. The appliance is used to expand the upper arch, while moving to molars back to create space for erupting or crowded teeth. Once the proper amount of expansion and distalization (backward moving of the molars) is achieved, the appliance is removed and then a retention appliance is placed. For more on the Pendex Appliance, download our Pendex handout.
View our Pendex Appliance video.>
Carrière Distalizer
The Carrière distalizing appliance is a fixed appliance (non-removable) that is used for dental correction of anteroposterior problems in the dentition. This appliance is used in class II dental malocclusions (upper teeth ahead of the lower teeth), prior to braces treatment, in order to help alleviate the horizontal discrepancy of the upper and lower dental relationships. For more on the Carrière Distalizer, download our Carrière handout.
Class II Dental Correctors
This type of appliance works in a similar manner to orthodontic rubber bands; however, the appliance is not removable. It is used to achieve front to back movement of the teeth in order move the lower teeth forward, and the upper teeth backward so the bite fits together properly. Below is one example of one such appliance.
The Forsus appliance
The Forsus appliance is a fixed appliance that is used for dental correction of anteroposterior problems in the dentition. The Forsus is used in class II dentitions (lower teeth behind the upper) when elastic force alone is not enough to fix the discrepancy, or when a patient has not been compliant with their elastic wear. Download our Forsus Appliace handout for more information.
Click here to view our Forsus video.
Click here to view our Forsus demonstration video.